National Poetry Month Celebration

Bio: George Yamazawa Jr. is a second generation Japanese-American poet/emcee from Durham, NC. Raised in a Buddhist household while learning the nature of the Bible Belt, “G” quickly understood how to embrace his differences and take pride in his culture. Heavily influenced by hip hop, G first began writing rhymes at 12 years old but never considered himself a writer until he found poetry. But in 2007, G was expelled from his high school and sent to an alternative school. During that time of uncertainty and depression, he discovered the power of spoken word and used it as a positive outlet for his creativity. Since then, he has become one of the founding members of the Sacrificial Poets, the premier youth poetry organization in NC, and dedicates his time cultivating the young voices in his community. In 2010, G performed at the Sundance Film Festival, Bonnaroo Music Festival, and Nuyorican Poets Café. At only 22 years old he is a National Poetry Slam finalist, Kollaboration DC Winner, Ontario International Poetry Slam finalist, two-time Individual World Poetry Slam finalist, and a two-time Southern Fried Champion. He currently resides in Washington, D.C. working as a teaching artist in high schools and an aftercare teacher with elementary students.

The Interview

Where do you draw your inspiration from to write poetry?From my family, my history, what I want my future to be like, and my surroundings. What advice do you have for someone that is threatened by poetry?Never doubt yourself. Not just for poetry, but for anything. Courage is underrated these days! What is an interesting fact about you?I don't like sushi. Like, at all. I also think "Ode to Joy" is the greatest composition/song/organization of sound ever. Where are you from/Where do you live?I'm from Durham, NC and now reside in Washington, DC.Who is your favorite poet? There's too many to name. I've been working as an elementary after school teacher for the past year so I'm actually falling back in love with Dr. Suess.

Upcoming Events:Hosting at Bus Boys and Poets 5th & K location on second Wednesdays of the month.Louder Than A Bomb DMV is May 4th and 5th at GWU

Moving poetry. I feel bad this poet has been offended by some American's inability to know which country a person originates from from the shape of his or her eyes. I wonder if he could tell which country I come from?

You have taught me so much! Im thankful that i read your poetry because its truly inspirational.

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Jose

4/28/2013 08:19:38 am

It's always inspirational to see young people use their creativity not only to benefit themselves, but to make art that others can enjoy and identify with.

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Mario

4/28/2013 11:47:27 am

George is a great performer, and I can connect to him on so many levels. The way he described his culture and the way he embraced it was truly something that many people don't do so I was really impressed by that.

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Hyon

4/29/2013 09:27:10 am

I really like the emotion as well as the humor in his poetry.

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Paola

4/29/2013 10:44:27 am

I, personally, found that George Yamazawa Jr. haves an interesting story when he tells his poetry. I feel as though it is a natural feeling to stand up to the crowd and speak the mind of a life he had seen or heard. It makes me understand better and understand the feelings he may get with the typical stereotypes that people always wanted to believe. There is sometimes no way around to what people have to see and believe, yet such a mind is hard to change its own habits.

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Ganiu

4/29/2013 12:28:09 pm

Your story spoken through poetry impacts me and let's me know how sadly hurt you were to see your father go. Using your native tongue and accepting yourself for who you are makes you an inspiration to young artists out there.

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Blanca

4/29/2013 02:00:50 pm

His performance was really good. I stood mesmerized looking at the screen... clinging to the words he said.... Truly talented. I'm glad this talent didn't go to waste.

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Jazmine A.

4/30/2013 01:13:52 pm

G. seemed really relatable and down to earth. He brought his personality onto the stage with him which i really enjoyed

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Francisco S

5/1/2013 01:05:33 pm

Wow! This dude is awesome. At the beginning of the video, I liked how he brought humor to the stage. Then later, he shared the story about his dad, which was very emotional. I loved this!

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Ian H

5/2/2013 05:30:33 am

This is one of my favorite poems on the blog! He came out giving the audience something to boost their energy, a good laugh. Then closed it with a poem about him and his father's relationship. It was full of emotion and I loved it.

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Kylie Holliday

5/2/2013 07:09:16 am

Your words are so inspiring.

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Rochelle Parry

5/2/2013 11:38:40 am

This is probably my favorite..it is hard to put how I feel about this into words. I just loved it so much the way he is so funny and full of life than he hits you with is deep and intense story it just takes you back or a second

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Thomas-Velez

5/3/2013 12:15:41 am

I feel your pain man. I use to hate my dad, in my mind he was never their but he was always working. Then when i will see him he would never say anything positive. I use to hate, no i still hate it. Now i know that he does it because he doesnt want me to waste my life on dumb things like he did.

I watched this poem 3 times. Having a foreign father I can completely relate to everything G is saying in this poem. See my father is in the military also so although they show tough love it make you into a better man in the long run. You have to understand that most people don't have a father to try to set them straight and mold them in a respectable man. So I'm also grateful for everything my father has done for me. Even though it got hard sometimes it was ultimately for the better. Never take a lesson for a punishment.

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Shawntel Collins

5/13/2013 02:44:57 pm

I think the poem about his father was very powerful, Children do not always understand why parents do the things they do and we always claim its unfair. It isn't until we grow up that we realize the effectiveness of their ways

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